A "GAGGING" row has erupted in Staffordshire over £50,000 plans to check thousands of homes for potentially lethal asbestos.

Tamworth independent council-lor Chris Cooke alleged the town's Tory leadership silenced him when he wanted to challenge their spending scheme.

But council leader Jeremy Oates said Coun Cooke's request to speak at a meeting came at the 11th hour and he wanted to act quickly to protect tenants.

Coun Cooke wanted assurances over the asbestos checks after a watchdog claimed authorities were paying out unnecessarily amid confusion over different types of the substance, only two of which were dangerous.

"I wasn't allowed to speak," he said. "It was absurd."

Coun Cooke, who represents the Glascote ward, said only blue or brown types of asbestos were dangerous but the more common white form dissolved in the lungs in 15 days. He said white asbestos was virtually impossible to remove because it becomes embedded in surrounding material.

He wanted the council to delay its spending plans until after it had sought expert advice to ensure taxpayers' money was not wasted.

But Coun Oates said he would not be held up if the health of council tenants was on the line.

"I was approached by an elected member on the afternoon of the meeting to speak on the item," he said.

"I refused based on the time the request was received. I have no objections to members speaking at cabinet meetings but I would like 24 hours notice."

"If we're dealing with anything life-threatening, it should be dealt with at the earliest opportunity to reduce the risk to our tenants or anyone with connections to our properties."